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CHARLES ScHILLER

his year, Wine Enthusiasts global tasting panel reviewed more than 16,500 wines, in every style and at every price point imaginable. In our November issue, we published our Top 100 Best Buys, the years top wines for $15 or less. In our December issue, we published our Top 100 Cellar Selections, the years most ageworthy and collectible wines. Now, the big one is here. The Enthusiast 100 is the pinnacle of our yearly roundupswines we think are remarkable for a multitude of reasons. The wines featured here are all top-scoring wines, but beyond numerical ratings, they are wines

Our Annual List of Must-Have Wines.

By the Editors of Wine Enthusiast Magazine
that boast exceptional quality-to-price ratios, drinkability and availability. They represent the incredible diversity available in the market today the best wines in an array of styles, made from a wide range of grape varieties, and from wine regions all around the world. These are the standout wines we value for their uniqueness, their balance and individuality, their unquestionable appeal and the sheer delight we experienced in tasting them. In essence, The Enthusiast 100 is a carefully culled selection of 2013s must-drink wines that we cant wait for you to discover and enjoy with us. Cheers!

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Kilikanoon 2009 Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley). This is a dark, chocolaty Cabernet. Its full bodied and richly textured, with plenty of rm structure to support the layers of cassis, plum pudding and mocha avors, then shows ample length to its velvety nish. Drink from 20152025. Old Bridge Cellars. Editors Choice. J.C. abv: 14% Price: $30

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Roederer Estate 2004 LErmitage Brut (Anderson Valley). This is an exquisite sparkling wine made from 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, concocted into a special blend and aged for almost six years in oak cask. After disgorgement it was given another ve months to sit in bottle before release. It has such freshness on the palate, such enviable acidity, that its hard to believe the grapes were picked so long ago. Crisp apple dominates, with just a trace of yeastiness on the nose and palate. This is a delicious wine. V.B. abv: 12% Price: $47

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Trisaetum 2012 Ribbon Ridge Estate Dry Riesling (Ribbon Ridge). The Ribbon Ridge estate delivers beautifully ripened fruitso ripe, in fact, that the rst impression is of sweet tree fruits, although the wine is actually quite dry. Peaches, citrus and nectarines are in the mix, and when the tangy acidity kicks in, a long, mineral-driven ride across the palate ensues. Luscious, long and detailed, this is a spectacular Riesling. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 12%  Price: $24

Cayuse 2010 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley). The purity and potent, almost mystical aromas of the En Cerise Syrah conjure up ying carpet visions of purple and black fruits. The enticing aromatics have a citrusy lift, with orange peel and incense, like drinking a Persian rug. Amazingly complex, seamless, dense, and elegant, its a wine that never stops, as new avors keep emerging the longer it breathes. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 14.8% Price: $80

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Luis Caas 2006 Reserva Seleccin de la Familia Red Wine (Rioja). Black-fruit aromas come with all the savory, smoky, coconutty accents one could ask for. In the mouth, expect saturation, big tannins, structure galore and layering. Flavors of balsamic black fruits, prune, toast and char nish long, minty, dark and delicious. Residual tannins suggest that this can last another 10 years. Henriot Inc. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $40

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Au Bon Climat 2010 Historic Vineyards Collection Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley). This Pinot Noir is insanely delicious. The wine is dry, tart and moderate in alcohol, giving it the smooth silkiness you want in a ne Pinot. The avors are something else, striking the perfect balance between ripe raspberries, earthy cola, red licorice and mushrooms, with all kinds of spicy complexities. The acid-tannin balance is impeccable. Its drinking beautifully now and should hold and change in the bottle over the next eight years. Editors Choice. S.H. abv: 13.5% Price: $40

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Williams Selyem 2010 Allen Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley). This wine shows real rst-growth quality in its intensity and concentration, with orange nectar, golden mango, pear, peach pie, buttercream, vanilla, buttered toast and spice avors. The balance is exquisite, and the way the acids dance along the palate make the wine clean and lively. Editors Choice. S.H. abv: 14.6% Price: $50

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Luis Duarte 2010 Rubrica (Alentejano). Mint aromas and avors lead to an intense wine that is powered at this young stage by rm, serious tannins. It has great richness from the black plum fruits, and a spicy, herbal character that adds complexity. From consultant Luis Duarte, this is a wine for long-term aging; hold for 67 years or more. Laurel Importers. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $25

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Donkey & Goat 2012 Grenache Noir (El Dorado). Spicy in aroma and mouthfeel, this is a wondrous wine, gorgeous in lovely ripe cherry and strawberry notes that are completely enveloped in thrills of white pepper. Those who love cool climate Rhnes will nd much to ponder and celebrate. Racy, it is fragrant and lean, made without ning or ltering. Seek this one out. V.B. abv: 14.2% Price: $27

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Castellinuzza e Piuca 2010 Chianti Classico. This gorgeous Chianti Classico boasts lively cherry, strawberry and violet aromas. The mouthwatering palate shows concentrated wild-cherry avor layered with mint, white pepper and clove. It has fresh acidity and rm tannins that will develop complexity with more bottle age. A textbook Chianti Classico. Moonlight Wine Co. K.O. abv: NA Price: $16

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Jean-Luc Balds 2010 Clos Triguedina Les Galets (Cahors). From the sundrenched third terrace of vines above the river Lot, this magnicent wine is the star of the three single-parcel wines from Jean-Luc Balds. It has the densest texture, very rm, concentrated and dark. Spice, coffee and blackberry avors are all nely integrated; this wine will age for at least a decade. Cynthia Hurley Wine Imports. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 14.5% Price: $33

How The Wines Break Down

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2 1 2 30

1 2 6
California (18), Oregon (3), Washington (9)

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Villa Cafaggio 2009 Riserva (Chianti Classico). Heres a beautiful Chianti Classico from Panzanos Conca dOro, or Golden Basin, one of the best areas in the denomination. It has compelling aromas of pipe tobacco, crushed cherry, smoke and leather. The palate delivers juicy black-cherry, plum, clove, carob and mineral avors. This wine has a beautiful structure, elegance and mesmerizing depth. Ethica Wines. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 14.5% Price: $30

Chteau Vincens 2011 Origine (Cahors). Almost black in color, this is a dark-hued, black plum and chocolate avored wine. It is powerful and very concentrated, densely tannic as well as fruity. There is a dusty texture, a ne stratum of acidity and strong wood-spice avors. The wine is for long-term aging. Drink from 2017. European Cellars. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 15% Price: $22

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Chteau Lilian Ladouys 2010 Saint- Estphe. Obviously wood-aged, with a smoky toast avor, this is a wine that shows the power of Saint-Estphe tannins in full force. At the same time, there is a blackberry character that adds richness and juiciness, which cuts through the dry core. Age for at least 78 years. Misa Imports. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $35

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Moucho 2007 Alentejano. A powerful and dense wine, showing some rustic character, big red fruit and dark tannins. This superb wine has weight and concentration, balanced acidity and a growing sense of maturity. This wine from the legendary Moucho estate needs considerable aging; drink from 2018. Vinum Wine Importing and Distributing LLC. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $36

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Contucci 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This is a classically crafted wine made by one of Montepulcianos most historic estates. It has an alluring bouquet of violet, rose petal, cassis and nutmeg. The palate delivers an intense wild-cherry avor layered with white pepper and cinnamon, all impeccably balanced by rm tannins and vibrant acidity. Caffo Beverages Inc, Kiwi Distributing. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 14% Price: $29

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Failla 2010 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast). This shows the trifecta of winemaker Ehren Jordans deft hand, the fabulous Hirsch Vineyard and the wonderful 2010 vintage. Even if you knew nothing of the wines pedigree, youd be dazzled by its sheer richness of raspberry, cherry, cola and herb avors, plus the rm, stone-driven minerality, the dryness, the feral mountain hints, the acidity and the overall dazzling structure. The alcohol level is comparatively restrained, providing just the right touch of warmth. New oak clocks in at only 30%, imbuing the wine with a nice seasoning of smoke. Denitely worth searching for, but only 375 cases were produced. Drink this wine now2022. Editors Choice. S.H. abv: 13.9% Price: $70

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La Bastide Blanche 2010 Bandol. This is an opulent, rich wine that is full of black plums, powerful tannins and spice. Mourvdre dominates the palate with its power and exotic aroma, but bright acidity guides a long nish. Still young, it needs several years to develop, so drink from 2016. Weygandt-Metzler. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 14.5% Price: $26

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Jean-Maurice Raffault 2010 Les Picasses (Chinon). From the plateau that lies between the Loire and Vienne rivers, this is a rm, mineral structured wine. It has power and juicy red fruits that also show dark, dry tannins. Its a concentrated and dense wine for medium- term aging. VOS Selections. R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $20

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Hannes Reeh 2012 Unplugged Chardonnay (Burgenland). This is a rich Chardonnay thats very creamy and smooth. Wood aging shows strongly, adding ripeness and spice to the yellow fruits. Richly structured and concentrated, this wine will need at least least three years to develop. Screwcap. Acid Inc Selections. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $18

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Domaine Jean-Luc Mader 2011 Rosacker Grand Cru Riesling (Alsace). A rich Riesling, just off dry, balancing intense acidity with white currant, hedgerow fruits and a concentrated texture. The wine is full-bodied, very ripe and superbly structured. Very fruity now, this is a wine to show how well Riesling can agegive it 68 years. Elite Wines Import. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $39

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Adriano Marco & Vittorio 2010 Sanadaive (Barbaresco). This Barbaresco offers quintessential Nebbiolo aromas of red rose, leather and berry along with succulent cherry and raspberry avors layered with spice, sage and Alpine herbs. Its wonderfully balanced, with bracing but ne tannins and fresh acidity, and will develop additional complexity with more bottle age. Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 13.5% Price: $28

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Companhia das Quintas 2010 Quinta do Cardo Seleco do Enlogo (Beira Interior). This is an impressive wine, full of rich fruits and a dense and rm structure. The wine, with its black berry and plum avors, is dry and concentrated, with a powerful and complex texture that suggests a ne minerality. It denitely needs aging, so drink from 2016. Wine In-Motion. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $16

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Clos Mogador 2010 Priorat. Gorgeous, amplied aromas of wild berry, plum and ne herbs are crystal clear and magnetic. This beautiful Priorat is layered, smooth as glass and exemplary in every way. Flavors of mixed black fruits, cocoa, toast and schisty mineral nish in a swirl of chocolate, blackened toast, licorice and peppercorn. Best from 20152018. Europvin. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 15% Price: $90

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Wines & Winemakers 2009 guia Moura em Vinhas Velhas Reserva (Douro). This is a smooth, impressively rich wine powered by silky tannins and ripe black fruits. The palate is intensely concentrated with a big, bold structure and a solid feel. It does need some aging, so drink from 2016. Best Brands Incorporated. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $18

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Gigi Rosso 2009 Arione (Barolo). Arione shows its Serralunga dAlba pedigree via classic aromas of black cherry, leather, trufe and rose petal. The palate delivers lush wild-cherry avors and hints of trufe, mint and the vineyards hallmark licorice. Its beautifully balanced, with rm but ripe tannins and just enough freshness, and is simply a gorgeous Barolo. Wine 4 All. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 14.5% Price: $49

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De Toren 2009 Fusion V (Stellenbosch). A layered and complex wine, the 2009 Fusion V is one remarkable selection thats delicious now, although it certainly shows the stufng to age well for another three to ve years, at least. Forward sweet-oak notes marry harmoniously with black-fruit aromas on the nose. The robust, dense palate offers ripe avors of cassis, blackberry and plum, with accents of leather, tobacco and licorice that linger long into the nish. Chewy, gripping tannins provide a rm structure, framing the full fruit avors. Cape Classics. Editors Choice. L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $50

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Antico Colle 2010 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Heres a classically crafted selection, with a lovely oral and earthy fragrance. The palate shows dark-plum and black-cherry avors laced with white pepper, mint and balsamic accents. While it has tame acidity, its still tightly wound and needs just a few years to soften and develop additional complexity; drink after 2015. Vi Wines, J & J Importers. K.O. abv: 14% Price: $22

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Chteau Blaignan 2010 Mdoc. Aromatic hints of new wood translate onto the smooth palate. It has smoke and black currant avors, with tannins that are already well integrated. Attractive acidity gives this a nal lift. Keep it for 56 years. Aquitaine Wine Company. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $16

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Aia Vecchia 2009 Sorugo (Bolgheri Superiore). Soft and velvety, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot releases intense notes of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, spice and leather. It shows plush layers of dark fruit and tangy tobacco that build the palates momentum. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Editors Choice. M.L. abv: 15% Price: $35

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Andr Brunel 2009 Les Cailloux (Chteauneuf-du-Pape). The 2009 Les Cailloux is a classically built Chteauneuf that should age well through at least 2025. The blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvdre, 12% Syrah and 3% Cinsault starts off with lovely notes of wild thyme and dark fruit, then adds herbal complexity and chocolaty richness. Its full bodied yet rm, with some dusty but elegant tannins on the nish. Its excellent now, but will be even better in 2016 and beyond. Robert Kacher Selections. Editors Choice. J.C. abv: 14% Price: $60

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Torbreck 2010 The Struie Shiraz (Barossa). This is a terrically full-bodied, lush Shiraz that nevertheless retains a sense of balance and freshness. Vaguely minty, herbal notes make a brief appearance, then give way to raspberry and blueberry fruit. Savory hints creep in on the palate, further increasing its appeal. This blend of fruit from the Barossa and Eden valleys should drink well through at least 2020. Wine Creek. Editors Choice. J.C. abv: 15% Price: $50

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W.H. Smith 2010 Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast). From a vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation, this is clearly one of the best wines of the vintage. The mouthfeel is light and silky, with rened tannins that give it a slight astringency. The avors are vast and complex with raspberries, cherries and cola, but also forest notes of mushrooms, balsam and herbs. The acidity is fresh and appealing. Its gorgeous now, and should evolve over the next 15 years. Editors Choice. S.H. abv: 14.2% Price: $48

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Robert Mondavi 2011 Fum Blanc (Oakville). This isnt Mondavis most expensive Fum (Sauvignon) Blanc. But it is one of their best ever. In fact, its so classic, you could use it in a winemaking class to teach future vintners about how great Napa Sauvignon Blanc should taste. Its bone dry, brilliantly crisp with acidity and gently touched by oak. The main notes are of lees, which give a sourdough tang, and layers of lemons, limes, pink grapefruits, gooseberries and rich tropical fruits. An unbelievable value at this price, but only 1,975 cases were produced. Editors Choice. S.H. abv: 14.5% Price: $32

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Pacic Rim 2010 Wallula Vineyard Bio dynamic Riesling (Columbia Valley). Made from grapes sourced from a biodynamically farmed vineyard, this wine puts on an almost-magical display of ower and citrus scents. Deep and concentrated, this has harmonious and potent avors, and it is amazing how the delicate oral aspect cuts across the juicy, citrusy taste. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 13.9% Price: $32

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Alta Vista 2010 Temis Single Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza). The Alta Vista single- vineyard wines are among the best in Argentina. This offers a soft, deep, alluring nose with plum, berry, minerality and a hint of rubber and bacon. Its rich, pure and a bit jammy in feel, with saturated blue berry, blackberry, molasses and caramel avors. A cuddly, long nish conrms this Malbecs outstanding status. Drink through 2018. Kobrand. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 15.5% Price: $50

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Domaine Cauhap 2010 Symphonie de Novembre (Juranon). Concentrated and luscious, this has notes of dried apricot and g, with a dense texture reminiscent of honey and orange marmalade. It has a strong mineral structure that melds with the ripe generosity. Savor this intense wine alone at the end of a meal or with blue cheese. Planet Wine. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $24/375 ml

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Lelarge-Pugeot 2004 Quintessence Premier Cru Brut Millsime (Champagne). Made from 50-year-old vines, this is a ne wine with a steely minerality. Partial fermentation in oak gives it complexity without detracting from its elegant fruitiness. Floral notes and white and yellow fruits are balanced by a hint of toast. Its ready to drink now, but will improve over the next few years. Vintage Imports, Inc. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 12% Price: $50

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Maison Bleue 2010 Boushey Vineyard Le Midi Grenache (Yakima Valley). As excellent as this was was in 2009, the 2010 has reached an almost- ethereal level. The aromatics alone are transportive, with the concentrated essence of raspberries and blueberries at optimal ripeness. The avors are deep and long, elegant and powerful, and they lead into

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a nish thats anchored in notes of mineral and dark chocolate. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 14.5% Price: $35 a certain vibrancy that shouts New World. Peach, apple and pear avors abound. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 14.1% Price: $80

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Quinta do Vale Meo 2011 Vintage Port. This is a very dry, rm wine thats solidly tannic but never harsh. The wine combines weight and ripe black fruit in a powerful expression of dense vintage Port from this estate in the Upper Douro. Acidity shines through the density on the nish. Age for many decades. Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. R.V. abv: 20% Price: $66

Grard Bertrand 2011 Tautavel Hommage aux Vignerons (Ctes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel). This is a dense, concentrated and expressive wine, although its still young and promises more beauty and elegance with age. Aromas of African violets and cocoa nibs marry harmoniously with the eshy black-fruit core. Jammy, ripe plum and cherry avors lead the lush and slightly creamy palate, transitioning into notes of roasted coffee and chocolate, and nally ending on a sweet toasted-oak and baking-spice accent. Its richly delicious now, but patience will also be rewarded; try after 2016. Gerard Bertrand USA. Editors Choice. L.B. abv: 15% Price: $35

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Sanguis 2009 Six White Horses Syrah (California). Winemaker Matthias Pippig brings Syrah to a whole new level with this stunningly dramatic bottling. Dont worry about the California appellation, a peculiarity of the winerys ownership. Its made entirely from Santa Barbara grapes, namely from Watch Hill in Los Alamos and Bien Nacido in Santa Maria Valley. The intensity of fruit dees description. It suggests enormous blackberry and creamy-sweet chocolate, larded with bacon and sprinkled with black pepperand that doesnt even begin to describe the toasty sweetness of the 100% new oak barrels. This is the best California Syrah of the vintage, and one of the greatest Syrahs the state has ever produced. This opulence comes at a cost, however: The alcohol is high. S.H. abv: 15.6% Price: $75

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Cavallotto 2007 Vignolo Riserva (Barolo). This is a stunning and vibrant Barolo that dees the heat of the vintage thanks to 47-year-old vines, amazing terroir and noninvasive winemaking. It shows oral aromas of violet layered with spice and trufe, while the palate delivers rich wild cherry, mint and cinnamon. This already shows excellent complexity, but its still young. Drink after 2022. Michael Skurnik Wines. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 14.5% Price: $98

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Kevin White 2011 La Fraternit (Yakima Valley). A blend of Grenache, Mourvdre and Syrah, this is right up there with the best of Maison Bleue for a southern-Rhne-style blend from Washington. Lovely aromatics introduce a forward, fruit-powered wine loaded with scents and avors of ripe cherries and plums. The red fruits are enhanced with hints of tobacco and mineral, but the lollipop fruit core is what captivates through a long nish. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 14.2% Price: $20

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Easton 2010 Estate Bottled Zinfandel (Shenandoah Valley). Edgy with mountainous berry avor, Eastons 2010 Shenandoah Valley Zin is full-bodied, generous in savory spices and blackberry avor and intoxicatingly aromatic with a peppery, leathery nish. Its structurally able to withstand many more years in bottle, so enjoy it now or give it some time. Either way, itll shine poured alongside peppery meat. V.B. abv: 15.1% Price: $32

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Carlos Serres 2005 Gran Reserva (Rioja). This oral, somewhat light-bodied wine is a traditional blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Its elegant in its delivery of cherry and raspberry aromas, and the palate is crisp and pure, with pulse. Cherry, cassis, vanilla and molasses avors nish long and smooth. What a great upper-end value; drink now through 2018. Testa Wines Of The World. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 13.5% Price: $30

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Pascal Aufranc 2012 Vignes de 1939 (Chnas). A full, rich and rounded wine that brings out the concentration from the low yielding old vines. It has rich black cherry and spice avors that go with the delicious acidity and solid structure. This could be a wine to age, but its so good now. If you want, drink until 2018. Zancanella Importing Co. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 12.5% Price: $35

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Bergstrm 2010 Sigrid Chardonnay (Willamette Valley). Bergstrms Sigrid is one of the nest Chardonnays made in Oregon. Racy and rened, it shows Burgundian nesse, toast and acidity. As in other top tier wines from the Northwest, the fruit has

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Cascina delle Rose 2010 Tre Stelle (Barbaresco). This gorgeous, single-vineyard Barbaresco has an enticing Nebbiolo perfume of forest oor, Alpine herbs, ripe berry, trufe and a hint of leather. The palate delivers cherry notes sprinkled with spice, and shows great depth and balance. Its elegant and already shows mesmerizing complexity. Multiple U.S. importers. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 14% Price: $60

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Joh. Jos. Prm 2011 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (Mosel). Heady aromas of rose petal, red berry and tropical fruit lend an unusual expressiveness to this delicately framed kabinett. Dainty and dancing, the texture is almost ethereal, nishing long, with a lacy swath of berries and blossoms. Valckenberg International, Inc. A.I. abv: 9% Price: $37

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Le Macchiole 2010 Bolgheri. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah, this shows outstanding intensity and length. It has long-lasting avors of chocolate, bright cherry, spice and leather. Domaine Select Wine Estates. Editors Choice. M.L. abv: 14% Price: $30

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and enticing, and it offers intense avors of dark berry, leather, tobacco and bright cherry. Zonin USA. M.L. abv: 14% Price: $30

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Bokisch 2010 Tempranillo (Lodi). Bokisch has made a Tempranillo thats relatively light in body, bursting with an earthy tobacco tone, with a backbone of leather. The palate feels velvety, with soft but structured tannins, bearing black cherry and dark chocolate avors. This has to be one of Californias best Tempranillos. V.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $21

Goldschmidt 2009 Game Ranch Single Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville). This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in 85% new oak, and it shows the essence of Oakville in its dry, tannic, ripe and complex identity. It would be hard to exaggerate the excellence of the blackberries, black currants, black cherries, dark chocolate and oak avors, which have a Christmas-pudding-like headiness. A hint of raisin suggests it approaches overripeness, yet it maintains superb control. The tannins and overall balance should help this age for many years, but it can also be consumed now. S.H. abv: 14.9% Price: $85

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Marqus de Riscal 2006 Baron de Chirel Reserva (Rioja). Riscal has outdone itself with this outstanding seven-year-old wine that leans modern but holds onto classic Rioja DNA. The nose is full of tobacco, balsamic accents and core black-fruit avors. A rich, pure, lightly baked tasting nish is excellent, like the rest of the wine. Drink through 2022. Shaw-Ross International Importers. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $60

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Lucien Lardy 2011 Les Thorins (Moulin-Vent). A densely tannic wine, showing the inuence of Beaujolaiss granite soil, this is currently dominated by minerality and structure rather than fruit. Considering the weight of the wine, the fruitiness is likely to develop over the next 23 years. Cru Wines. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 12.5% Price: $20

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Ferreira 2011 Vintage Port. This hugely rich yet approachable wine shows power and boldness. All the elements are there, linked by rm tannins and freshness from berry acidity. Broadbent Selections, Inc. R.V. abv: 20% Price: $90

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Poets Leap 2012 Riesling (Columbia Valley). Half of this years Poets Leap Riesling is sourced from The Benches, one quarter from old-vine plantings at Dionysus, and the rest from Yakimas Phil Church vineyard. Marvelous concentration and a panoply of lush orange, apricot, peach and papaya avors carry this beautifully balanced wine through a long and satisfying nish. Delicious young, it could also be cellared for a decade or longer. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 12.9% Price: $20

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Rocca di Montemassi 2010 Maremma Toscana. Bordeaux consultant Denis Dubourdieu and winemaker Stefano Ferrante crafted this blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Its a bottle that raises the bar for the dozens of wines created by the Zonin family, the owners of this relatively new estate in Maremma. The result is rich

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Zaca Mesa 2009 Black Bear Block Estate Grown and Bottled Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley). If the rst duty of a wine is to be delicious, this tiny production bottling succeeds beyond all measure. The Black Bear Block is almost always Zaca Mesas best Syrah among its many releases, and so it is again in 2009. Take one sip and youre dazzled by the rened tannins, dryness and complexity of avors: blackberry, cassis, plum sauce, mocha, bacon, smoky oak, white pepper, chamomile tea and licorice. Whats harder to express is the sheer pleasure of the mouthfeel. This is an exciting Syrah, and may just be at the beginning of a long journey. Drink now and for many years as it slowly changes. S.H. abv: 14.5% Price: $60

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Chteau de la Font du Loup 2010 Le Puy Rolland (Chteauneuf-du-Pape). This 100% Grenache cuve displays charming and complex aromas of garrigue and ripe cherries and raspberries. Its lush and creamy in texture despite being vinied and aged in concrete. Its a touch warm on the nish, but delicious nonetheless. Drink now2020. AHD Vintners. J.C. abv: 14.5% Price: $57

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Chteau Moncontour 2011 Cuve Prdilection Brut (Vouvray). One of the best sparkling wines to come from the Loire, this is a classically driven wine, packed with tingling acidity along with some toastiness and apple fruits. The wine is still fresh and could age a few more months in bottle. USA Wine West. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 12% Price: $20

Marqus de Murrieta 2005 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial (Rioja). Superb at every checkpoint, this is a world-class wine. Cherry, cassis and earth aromas are spicy and mellow, not bullish or loud. This feels creamy but with enough textural grit to keep things lively, while avors of vanilla, tobacco and plum are nicely integrated. A mild, medium-long nish epitomizes elegance. Drink now through 2025. Maisons Marques & Domaines USA. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 14% Price: $89

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Vinos de Finca 2009 Altos de Losada (Bierzo). Losada wines are dark, dense, heady creatures. This high-end version is pumping deep mineral and lead aromas alongside cassis, berry and toasted notes. The palate is upright like a good cadet, with lively acidity and blackberry and spice avors. This is big and modern but not extreme. Drink through 2023. Classical Wines. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 13.5% Price: $40

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Tua Rita 2010 Perlato del Bosco (Toscana). An oak-aged blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine shows bold nuances of blackberry and cherry, backed by tangy freshness and integrated oak spice. The wine is tangy and fresh, and it delivers silky tannins, plus drying notes of tobacco and crushed granite. Winebow. M.L. abv: 14% Price: $30

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Markus Huber 2012 Engelberg Riesling (Traisental). An intensely crisp and aromatic wine, this boasts great acidity along with bright fruitiness and a tight, mineral texture. A bright wine with a good depth of avor, packed with lemon and gooseberry notes. Screwcap. Circo Vino. R.V. abv: 12.5% Price: $23

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Testarossa 2010 Rincon Vineyard Chardonnay (Arroyo Grande Valley). A gorgeous Chardonnay, amboyant in tropical fruit, honey, cream and buttered toast, but so balanced in acids and minerals, so clean and pure, that it ventures into truly classic territory. The vineyard long has been a special one for Talley. Now, Testarossa gets to dip in, with fantastic results. One of the best Chardonnays Testarossa has ever produced. S.H. abv: 14.4% Price: $39

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Guardian Cellars 2012 Angel Sauvignon Blanc (Red Mountain). This is as good as Sauvignon Blanc gets in Washingtona dense, pungent, intensely aromatic and gloriously avorful wine sourced entirely from the Klipsun Vineyard. Inaugural scents suggest wet hay, new-mown grass, g and citrus. Following are avors of pineapple, more citrus, beeswax and a suggestion of bee pollen. This is one of those bottles that empties much faster than youd like. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 14.1% Price: $20

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Carrick 2011 Pinot Gris (Central Otago). This is slightly smoky on the nose, offering scents of toasted almonds that neatly accent pear and kumquat aromas. Its richly textured on the palate, where the pear and almond notes pick up zesty citrus overtones that allow them to nish clean and fresh. Drink now. Pacic Prime Wines. Editors Choice. J.C. abv: 13% Price: $23

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Molino di SantAntimo 2007 Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino). This riserva shows bright cherry fruit and enough natural freshness to guarantee successful cellar aging. Prune, plum, spice and leather give way to dark concentration and richness. On the close, the wine delivers loads of cherry, licorice and menthol nuances. Massanois Imports. M.L. abv: 14% Price: $55

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Dunham 2011 Lewis Estate Vineyard Riesling (Columbia Valley). As consistent as ever, this is sleek and stylish, with complex, layered avors of citrus rind, citrus esh and delicate tropical fruits. There are further highlights of honeycomb and dried apricot, and mouth-pleasing, underlying minerality. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 12.5% Price: $20

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late and exotic spice. The wine is full, soft and generous on the palate. Drink now or hold ve more years. Wilson Daniels Ltd. Editors Choice. M.L. abv: 14% Price: $45

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Chteau Vignelaure 2012 Ros (Coteaux dAix-en-Provence). A complex, rich and ripe wine. It shows both a tannic edge and full red fruit avors. With acidity cutting through, this is nely balanced, a delicious and serious wine that would benet from a few more months in bottle. Blue Coast International. Editors Choice. R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $22

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Navarro 2011 Cuvee 128 Sauvignon Blanc (Mendocino). Full of vitality from start to nish, this wine has bright avors of pear and melon. Well balanced and refreshing, pair it with Asian fare and spicy seafood, or enjoy it on its own. V.B. abv: 12.4% Price: $18

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Markus Molitor 2010 Haus Klosterberg Riesling Sptlese (Mosel). Honey, orange peel and spice notes mark the nose of this remarkably rich, yet sprightly Sptlese. The palate is honeyed in sweetness, even slightly caramelized, yet freshened with piercing orange acidity that stretches out the nish. Schmitt-Sohne Inc. A.I. abv: 7.5%  Price: $23

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Estampa 2009 Gold Carmnre-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc-Petit Verdot (Colchagua Valley). This smooth and inviting blend is impressive for the price. With mildly herbal Carmenre-driven aromas of olive and peppery spice, and then a deep and structured palate feel, Gold is golden. Look for a ton of ripe plum and berry avor touched up by oak, chocolate and pepper accents. On the nish, its spicy, peppery, smooth and complete. Drink now2016. American Estates Wines, Inc. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $24

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Foundry Vineyards 2011 Stainless Chardonnay (Columbia Gorge). This Char donnay includes a small amount of Maria Gomesan obscure white grape from Portugalin the mix. The addition of Maria Gomes works magic. It eshes out the palate, and it brings lush avors of melon, banana, apple and lemon. This needs to breathe, but once it opens, it will thrill you until the last drop. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 12.6% Price: $24

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Michel Torino 2011 Don David Finca la Maravilla #6 Malbec (Cafayate). After years of tasting Don David Malbecs, heres one that rises above the rest. This is jammy and stacked with brawny black-fruit aromas. The mouth is bulky and bullish, but balanced, with blackberry avors that are coated with copious oak and end in a tornado of coffee, mocha, mint and oak. Drink now2016. Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. M.S. abv: 13.9% Price: $25

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Teso La Monja 2010 Almirez (Toro). With its inky black color and intense, dense aromas of black fruits, leather, spice and herbs, Almirez is a poster child for Toro. The palate is rm but offers cushion, while avors of toast, wood, roasted berry, cassis and licorice nish long, wild and leathery. Drink through 2019. Jorge Ordoez Selections. M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $25

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Tenuta dei Pianali 2008 Coronato (Bolgheri). Formerly Tenuta di Biserno, Tenuta dei Pianali produces Coronato specically for the U.S. market. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with bold and eshy cherry fruit backed by savory tones of pipe tobacco, leather, choco-

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Alaverdi Monastery Cellar 2010 Qvevri Traditional Kakhuri Dry Unltered Amber Wine Rkatsiteli (Kakheti). From its musky, perfumed to nose to its intensely honeyed, dried-peachand apricot-avored palate, everything about this wine is mysterious and ethereal. Crafted by monks in an ancient Georgian monastery, this amber-hued wine is made from white grapes that were fermented and aged in clay vessels (qvevri) and that underwent extended skin contact, which resulted in a wine with puckering tannins and a richly textural mouthfeel. Terrell Wines. Editors Choice. A.I. abv: 13% Price: $25

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Fratelli Berlucchi 2009 Pas Dos Vintage (Franciacorta). This lovely sparkling wine is made with no dosage or added sugar. It offers scents of warm, just baked bread, citrus and roasted almond. The palate offers peach, apple, citrus and a hint of walnut along with crisp, clean acidity. Its smooth, with ne bubbles and a creamy texture. Selected Estates of Europe Ltd. Editors Choice. K.O. abv: 12.5% Price: $40

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Louis Sipp 2008 Osterberg Grand Cru Gewurztraminer (Alsace). Mango aromas drive this rich wine, full of honey as well as spicy fruits. It is not so much weighty as intense, with a sense of warmth. Now mature and ready to drink, it still retains a youthful fruit character. R.V. abv: 12.5% Price: $40

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The Crater Rim 2011 Bendigo Terrace Pinot Noir (Central Otago). Bendigo is a warm subregion of Central Otago, and this wine shows the plush, creamy texture of superripe fruit. The wine is smoky and briary, marrying black cherry and mocha notes in harmonious complexity, and ending lush and long. Drink it now and over the next few years. Epicurean Wines. Editors Choice. J.C. abv: 14% Price: $25

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clean earth are ecked with cinnamon. The wine has authority and power, yet retains a sculpted, ne-tuned precision. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 12.9% Price: $50

is made from fruit sourced from a two-acre parcel in the Champeaux Premier Cru. Loosen Bros. USA. R.V. abv: 14% Price: $92

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Gorman 2009 The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain). The 2009 Bully includes 10% Petit Verdot. Its seamless and complete, a rm, muscular, dark, smoky and earthy Cabernet, with substantial tannins. The deeply powerful black fruits have a vivid presence and a slightly roasted character. This is a big bruiser, but beautifully proportioned. Editors Choice. P.G. abv: 14.8% Price: $45

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Numanthia-Termes, S.L. 2010 Termes (Toro). This is a ripe, dark but balanced Toro with pastry, prune, blackberry and vanilla aromas. The palate is ercely tannic on the surface but not overly hard at the foundation. Flavors of burnt toast, blackberry, spice, licorice and chocolate nish warm, toasty and dark, with echoes of ripeness and hard tannins. Drink now through 2018. Mot Hennessy USA. M.S. abv: 15% Price: $28

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Trapiche 2010 Finca Fausto Orellana de Escobar Terroir Series Single Vineyard Malbec (La Consulta). This Malbec is deep, dark and sultry, what top-ight Argentinean wine is all about. Aromas of balsam wood, black fruits and marzipan lead to a smooth, elegant palate with avors of baked berry fruits, cassis, licorice and toast. Those big four avors carry onto the nish, which is smooth as a train running on well-oiled tracks. Drink through 2018. The Wine Group. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: NA Price: $50

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Castello di Verrazzano 2010 Chianti Classico. This vibrant Chianti Classico has ripe strawberry and raspberry aromas with hints of violet. The palate shows delicious red cherry layered with white pepper and a hint of chocolate, all in a fresh and supple style. Palm Bay International. K.O. abv: 13.5% Price: $24

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Nickel & Nickel 2010 Harris Vineyard Merlot (Oakville). This is a great Merlot thats intensely concentrated and dazzlingly richeverything you want a Merlot to be. Its power packed with black cherries, cherry liqueur, cocoa and sweet oak, with rm, hard tannins. That is, of course, the Nickel & Nickel style. It shows classic Oakville structure and a hard-todene elegance, making it one of the best Merlots of the vintage. S.H. abv: 14.3% Price: $53

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier 2007 Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz (Pyrenees). This partnership continues to turn out marvelously complex wines from inland Victoria. Savory, herbal and intriguing on the nose, with hints of raspberry, mushroom and smoked meat, this is a medium-bodied, supple wine. Dusty tannins impart a silky quality to the nish. Drink now2018. Terlato Wines International. Editors Choice. J.C. abv: 14.5% Price: $30

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Dutton-Goldeld 2011 Dutton Ranch Rued Vineyard Chardonnay (Green Valley). Rued Ranch consistently is the winerys top bottling. The 2011, like its predecessors, is modest in alcohol but vast in citrus, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and mineral avors, and enriched with smoky oak and buttery notes. It has a delicate mouthfeel that makes it a joy to savor. S.H. abv: 13.5% Price: $50

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Pillitteri 2012 Reserve Icewine Vidal (Niagara-On-The-Lake). An aromatic knockout with notes of peach, papaya, lychee and brown sugar. At 250 g/L of residual sugar, its dense and rich with carmelized sugar avors and a lengthy nish. European Wine Imports. Editors Choice. S.S. abv: 10.5% Price: $30/200 ml

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Chehalem 2011 Ridgecrest Vineyards Wind Ridge Block Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge). This block selection really works, showing more muscle and meat on its bones than the excellent vineyard-designated bottling. Black fruits, cassis and

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Roche de Bellene 2010 Champeaux Premier Cru (Gevrey-Chambertin). New wood aromas dominate this powerful wine, which shows how much time it needs to age. It also has concentrated, juicy black-cherry and plum avors and lovely acidity. This wine

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Matetic 2010 Corralillo Winemakers Blend (San Antonio). Blackberry, cassis and earthy accents dene the bouquet on this blend of Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The palate is as solid as a boulder, but not overtly hard. Prune, berry, toast and cocoa avors set up an elegant, rich and round n-

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ish with nice residual avors and mouthfeel. Drink now 2016. Quintessential Wines. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $30

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Iron Horse 2004 Brut LD (Green Valley). A stunning wine, exactly 50-50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The vintage was a successful one for Iron Horse, and now, theyve released this LD, after aging on the lees for nine years. Its hard to describe how good it is. The mouthfeel is soft and creamy, with a rened mousse. The fruit avors of raspberries and limes are beginning to dry out but are still rich and savory. These Late Disgorged wines are not meant for further aging, so drink up, with the most incredible foods you can nd. S.H. abv: 13.5% Price: $89

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Kingston Family 2012 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc (Casablanca Valley). This small-production Sauvignon Blanc (700 cases) overdelivers on its price by a factor of two or three times. It gets going with crisp, crystalline aromas of passion fruit and briny grapefruit. A pure, juicy, ripped palate offers lime, grapefruit, tangerine and herb avors, while the nish is minerally and clean. Kingston Family Vineyards. Editors Choice. M.S. abv: 14% Price: $16

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Barkan 2010 Reichan Assemblage (Galil). Dense and dark, this heady red is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 13% Syrah. Powerful aromas and avors of wild blackberry, cassis, cigar-box spice and licorice root abound on the nose and in the mouth, and carry on through the long nish. The structure is rm and gripping, but perfectly matched to the intense fruit avors. This wine is balanced and attractive now, but greater nuance and complexity should develop with time; try from 20162020. Kosher. Royal Wine Corporation. Editors Choice. L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $35

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Worlds End 2009 Good Times, Bad Times Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville). Structurally, this is near perfect, with sturdy yet supple tannins and bright acids that perk up the avors of blackberry jam, milk chocolate, red currants and crme de cassis. This is classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon; its great to drink now, but it will also slowly evolve in the bottle over the next decade. S.H. abv: 14.8% Price: $100

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Painted Wolf 2010 Guillermo Pinotage (Swartland). Aromas of dark forest berry, smoke, cigar-box spice and tobacco leaf immediately waft from the glass of this forward and robust Pinotage. The wines boldness continues to shine on the full palate, loaded with gripping tannins and layers of blackberry, boysenberry, roasted cocoa nib, pepper and toasted oak avors. Drinkable now, but should benet from some time in the cellar; try after 2015. Southern Starz, Inc. Editors Choice. L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $19

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Chteau Lagrzette 2009 Malbec (Cahors). Wood and fruit tannins push through strongly in this powerful wine. It has weight and plush fruit texture, and behind the tannins, dark chocolate and licorice avors. Its dense and concentrated, needing several years, at least 56, to shine. The Other Wine & Spirits. R.V. abv: 14.5% Price: $46

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La Poderina 2007 Poggio Abate Riserva (Brunello di Montalcino). Riserva La Poderina presents an impenetrable wall of aromatic intensity with dark concentration and lovely density in the mouth. Youll recognize dark fruit, polished mineral, leather, tobacco and powdered spice notes. The wine lasts long on the palate, driven by its bold structure. Vias Imports. M.L. abv: 14% Price: $79

For thousands more reviews and to download the pdf of The Enthusiast 100 list, visit winemag.com/enth1002013.

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